Chennai begins Rs 5000 crore Water Metro project feasibility study
Chennai has taken its first decisive step towards launching a Water Metro system, modelled on the successful operations in Kochi. The Tamil Nadu government has commissioned feasibility studies for a Rs 5,000 crore project that aims to reduce mounting road congestion and promote sustainable public transport in the state capital.
According to officials, the study will initially focus on a 53-kilometre stretch of Buckingham Canal, beginning from Napier Bridge and extending up to Kovalam. Ferry-based services have been proposed along this corridor, with plans to integrate them into the city’s broader transport network.Experts suggest that the adoption of a water-based metro could offer multiple benefits beyond decongesting roadways. The system is expected to cut vehicular emissions, ease pressure on overburdened arterial routes, and stimulate waterfront development, thereby aligning with broader goals of creating eco-friendly and climate-resilient urban spaces.
The concept draws heavily from Kochi’s pioneering Water Metro, which began operations in 2023. Kochi’s network of 16 planned routes, with four already functional, has demonstrated how inland waterways can be transformed into reliable public transport corridors. Chennai authorities are keen to replicate this model, while tailoring it to the city’s unique geographical and traffic challenges.
Transport planners point out that Chennai’s urban sprawl and rising private vehicle ownership have pushed daily commutes to unsustainable levels. Introducing a Water Metro along the Buckingham Canal could provide an alternative mobility corridor, while also linking major residential, commercial, and tourist hubs.
The project has the potential to carry thousands of passengers daily, offering a cleaner, faster, and more comfortable mode of travel.Industry experts also highlight the tourism potential of such a system. A well-integrated ferry network could revive the city’s historic waterways, drawing both domestic and international visitors. With Chennai aspiring to position itself as a global city, investments in sustainable and experiential infrastructure could boost its economic appeal.However, urban development professionals caution that water transport projects must be accompanied by careful environmental management. Preserving canal ecosystems, preventing sewage inflow, and ensuring last-mile connectivity will be critical for the success of Chennai’s Water Metro. Without these safeguards, the system risks falling short of its sustainability goals.
The feasibility study is expected to map out financial viability, technical requirements, and environmental safeguards before a formal project rollout. If approved, the Chennai Water Metro could emerge as a transformative solution to the city’s traffic gridlocks while setting a precedent for water-based transport systems in other Indian metros.
